Craigslist Lover Page 20

  Her eyebrows met. “Toby.” She played with the short hair in the back of his head. “You’ve always had so much to offer. You offered me what no one has—” she got on her tiptoes “—your heart. Even though I haven’t heard the words out of your lips yet.”

  The side of his mouth curled up into a smirk, and her heart raced. Toby whispered against her sensitive skin right under her earlobe, making her moan. “I love you more than words can express. Everything that I’ve done after meeting you has been to better myself for you and your son.” He nipped her earlobe. “You haven’t answered my question. Will you marry me?” Toby sucked her neck. “I’ll wait for you to be my wife, but I need you to be my fiancée.”

  “I’m already yours, sir.” She giggled. “Yes, Toby Wheeler, a.k.a. my Craigslist lover. Yes, I will marry you someday.”

  He chuckled, lifting her off the ground and spinning her in a circle. “Your pain led you to me.”

  “And you turned it to happiness.” McKenzie couldn’t stop beaming. This was by far her best birthday present. “You did all this for me?”

  “I would move mountains for you if I could…” He dug in his pocket and took out the fancy box. “I promise to love you with these hands.” He slipped on a diamond solitaire. “And my mouth…” He kissed his way from her chin down her neck, and started to suck on her collarbone. With regret, Toby pulled away. “Come on.” He took her silky hand in his. “I have something to show you upstairs.”

  “Upstairs?” McKenzie followed him. “I’m supposed to meet my mom and cousin for dinner.”

  “I think they’ll understand.” They walked down the hall to the elevators, and he pressed the Up button. “I missed you.” Toby pinched her ass. “Are you mad at me?”

  She closed one eye and put her thumb and index finger slightly apart. “A little. I know how grueling the training can be. I would have been there for you.”

  He took her fingers in his hand and gave them a feather kiss. “You were. Every time we spoke, texted, or emailed, beautiful. You motivated me to continue even when I was tired and wanted to give up. It was you,” he cupped her face. “You were my inspiration. For the last three years, you went through hell and back and look at you now, stronger than ever.”

  Her lips curled up. “I am.”

  “I’m so proud of you.” He nipped her lips. “And I love the new you.” Toby flipped the ends of her bob.

  “I was so mad at you at one point.” McKenzie placed her hand over his. “I thought you’d left me. All that could’ve been avoided if you told me the truth.”

  “I wanted to surprise you.” The elevator doors opened and closed as they continued talking. “And why would you think such a thing? I told you I would be back.”

  “Well,” her hand crawled down his chest. “I was told you sold your trailer and truck, and that you quit your job. So, I assumed the worst, but it was only for a couple of days.” She gave him her sad-puppy eyes.

  Toby chuckled. “Now I get it. When I couldn’t reach you and you gave me some lame excuse as to why.” He combed her hair behind her ear. “Let me guess who told you all that shit. Albert?”

  “He didn’t mean any harm.” She giggled.

  “That should be his nickname. He didn’t mean any harm.” Toby raised his eyebrow.

  “Anyways, Eric cleared it up.” McKenzie gazed at him, remembering what Eric had cleared up. “Your ad was a bet?” She smirked. “A bet!”

  Toby’s expression was priceless.

  “I’m not mad.” She pushed the Up button on the wall. “It’s ironic. We were both on Craigslist by chance.” McKenzie entwined their fingers together. “And look at us now, in love.”

  “Madly in love.” The elevator doors opened and they stepped in.

  As soon as the metal doors closed, McKenzie got on her tiptoes and commenced to kiss him, making Toby hard as hell. Over three months he’d been dreaming about her. He was yearning to taste her and make love to her. His mind was overcome with desire. Toby couldn’t control the blood pumping through his manhood. He grabbed the back of her neck, and devoured her lips and tongue. Playing a game of cat-and-mouse, he searched every crease. She tasted of chocolate and mint. Everything around then disappeared.

  Toby backed her up until she hit the metal wall behind them. Her nails raked the back of his neck. McKenzie leaned away, catching her breath. He gazed into her eyes. This woman had his heart and soul wrapped around her little finger. “I love you,” he said, pressing his lips against her collarbone. “I’m not supposed to be doing this in uniform…” He bit the sensitive spot under her ear.

  “It’s just you and me.” McKenzie gasped, throwing her head back and exposing herself to him, and then she took two steps and pushed the red button right below the numbers, stopping the elevator. “I want you here and now.” Her voice was filled with desire.

  Toby wanted to take her right there and then, but he had other plans for McKenzie. With regret, he pushed the button she’d just touched, making the elevator continue up.

  She placed her hand on her hip. “Really? I haven’t seen you in months and you’re denying me?”

  He chuckled. McKenzie looked so sexy, the way her hand curved on her hip. “I could never deny you anything, but—”

  “But—”

  “As I recall, you haven’t had a birthday celebration in years—”

  She inched forward, circling her hands behind his neck and pulling his head down to her level. “That’s what I’m trying to accomplish.” she sucked his bottom lip. “I’m tired of living on other people’s terms. You said to tell you what I want and right now I want you—”

  “I want you more.” He captured her mouth and the ding of the elevator announced that they were at the top level. The doors started opening and everyone screamed.

  “Happy Birthday!”

  McKenzie’s hands dropped to her sides in surprise, and then her eyes widened. She covered her mouth, looking at everyone on the rooftop. Her parents were both here, and Toby assumed the African American couple were her brother and sister-in-law, and her cousin Shanell and Eric were grinning from ear to ear. His brother, niece, and nephew threw streamers at McKenzie. Even Albert and Monique had made it. Her boss and co-workers were also here celebrating her. She deserved this, and so much more. The rooftop was decorated with colorful lights everywhere, with silver and red balloons tied in the middle of each small tables.

  “Toby…you did this?” McKenzie turned around to face him, and threw her hands around him. “Thank you! This means so much. I was so used to—”

  “You have me,” he whispered. “I want you to get used to being loved the right way. I’m celebrating the woman I love.”

  “You’re spoiling me.” she caressed his left cheek.

  “Who the hell is this?” Shawn held the doors open before they closed. Toby’s eyebrows met. He didn’t like the man’s tone.

  She cleared her throat. “Toby this is my brother, Shawn.” McKenzie stepped out of the elevator first. “Shawn, this is my boyfriend, Toby.”

  Boyfriend, Toby said internally.

  “So, this is him. You didn’t tell me he was an officer?” Her brother just glared at him, never once speaking directly to him.

  Toby kissed her cheek. “Happy birthday, princess,” he said, and strolled over to his family.

  McKenzie screamed when she saw her dad. She ran over to her dad, and hugged him tightly. “Daddy!” She hadn’t seen her dad in over two years. “Are you feeling better?” She lovingly watched him.

  “Nothing in the world would’ve kept me away.” He kissed her forehead. “I wanted to fly down and pay that son-of-a-bitch a visit, but your mom wouldn’t let me. I hope you know how much I love you, princess.”

  “I do. Your health is more important.” McKenzie understood why he couldn’t make it down during her divorce hearing, and it was probably better that he hadn’t come because when it came to Wayne, her father was crazier than her brother.

  “Toby joined the Navy?” Her mom walked up with a glass of wine. “He’s full of surprises.”

  “Following in his soon-to-be mother-in-law’s footsteps!” McKenzie wiggled her ring finger.

  “What?” Her mom covered her mouth. “Isn’t it too soon?”

  “He’ll wait until I’m ready, Mom.” She grinned. “Mom, I’m so happy, I can’t contain it. Daddy, you have to meet him.”

  “Princess, I’ve been talking to Toby for a while now,” her dad informed McKenzie. “He called us a few times as he planned this party for you. We had a man-to-man talk.”

  McKenzie was surprised. She hadn’t known her parents were in contact with Toby. He was full of surprises. Life with him would never be dull. “Do you like him?”

  Her dad smiled. “He still has to prove himself to me.”

  “He has already proved himself to me.” She looked around the room at the guests. “Where’s Caleb?”

  “Right here.” Mrs. Carmela appeared with her little boy.

  “Mommy!” Caleb opened his arms and she gently took him, showering her baby boy with kisses. “Cake!” He pointed at the two-tier cake on the table to the side.

  “Yes, cake! It’s Mommy’s birthday,” Mrs. Carmela said. “Happy birthday, darling. See you next week.”

  “You don’t have to leave.” McKenzie lovingly stared at the older woman. “Everyone here has had a positive impact on my life, and that includes you, too, Mrs. Carmela. I don’t blame you for anything.” She touched her arm. “Come on, mingle.”

  “You have such a beautiful heart,” Mrs. Carmela said, placing her hand over hers. “My son is reaping what he sowed.” McKenzie felt bad for her ex-mother-in-law.

  “Look Caleb, Tee Tee!” McKenzie pointed at Toby, and her son wiggled out of her arms to the fl
oor and ran up to Toby.

  “Thank you, McKenzie.” Mrs. Carmela walked away over to the edge of the room.

  “Is that an engagement ring?” Angela, Shawn’s wife, lifted McKenzie’s hand up. “That’s one heck of a ring.” Angela twisted the piece of jewelry. “Shawn, you need pointers from your soon-to-be brother-in-law.”

  Shawn hurried over. “No! Are you crazy?”

  “Shawn!” Angela smacked him. “It’s your sister’s life. Congratulations!”

  “Thank you!” McKenzie beamed. “Stop being a party pooper. Let me enjoy my night.”

  “You said he was your boyfriend.” Shawn glared over at Toby. “You didn’t tell me you were dating him?”

  “She’s a grown-ass woman,” Angela chimed in.

  “We’ve been more than dating.” McKenzie cleared her throat. “I love him.”

  Shawn didn’t take his eyes off Toby. “This time, I will make sure he deserves you.”

  “Shawn, I’m not getting married anytime soon. You better get used to him, because he is here to stay.” She strolled over to her co-workers. Toby had done all of this for her. She couldn’t ask for a better man.

  Mr. Strong grabbed his wife’s hand and began two-stepping to the music.

  “What!” James grinned, pumping his fist in the air. “My baby brother!” He gave him a bear hug. “Look at you!” He brushed imaginary dust off of Toby’s shoulders. “Damn, I’m so fucking proud of you.” His voice cracked. “It was all worth it, all the sacrifice.”

  Toby choked on his emotions. If it wasn’t for his older brother, he probably wouldn’t have been able to graduate from college. He wrapped his arms around his brother. “I love you, man…”

  “Ditto.” James pulled back.

  “Stop all that sissy stuff.” Eric took a sip of his beer. “Here’s to the Wheeler boys.”

  “Hear, hear.” Albert lifted his drink in the air. “You Wheeler boys are survivors.”

  They all lifted their drinks, and Toby grabbed a cup off the side table and joined them. He smiled, seeing his family and his fiancée’s family laughing and having fun. These were the moments he lived for.

  “Hi,” Caleb said, giggling. “Tee Tee…”

  Toby bent down, and Caleb ran right into his arms. He picked up McKenzie’s sweet little boy. “Hey, buddy.” He spun him around, making him chuckle loudly. “I missed you!” He kissed the top of his head.

  Caleb pressed his nose against Toby’s nose. “Cake!” He pointed at the dessert.

  “You want some cake?”

  He nodded his head. “Hungry.”

  Toby strolled over to the table. “Our little secret. Mommy won’t notice that the edge is missing.” He cut a piece off and fed it to Caleb.

  “Yummy, Tee Tee, more!” He chewed. Toby took another piece, and handed it to him. Caleb had frosting all over his mouth. “Gama!” He pointed at Wayne’s mother.

  “You want to go say hi to Grandma?”

  He nodded his head as Toby placed him back down. “I love you, buddy.”

  Caleb placed his hand over his mouth and blew him a kiss. Toby’s heart swelled as Caleb crawled his way right into his heart. The little boy didn’t care who Toby was and where he’d come from. He loved him for him.

  “Gama!” Mrs. Carmela snuggled her grandson.

  Toby was busy watching his stepson when Eric patted his shoulder.

  “Toby this is McKenzie’s cousin Shanell.” Eric glanced at her. “Did I say that right?”

  “Yes.” She smiled, showing dimples. “It’s nice to finally meet the man that has my favorite cousin daydreaming. Look at her!” She pointed at McKenzie. “I’ve never seen her so happy, not even with that fool.” Shanell was an attractive, thick woman, and Toby didn’t miss the way his cousin kept ogling her.

  “It’s nice meeting you, too.” Toby shook her hand. “McKenzie’s happy to have you back in her life. Thank you for flying down.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” Shanell replied, grabbing Eric’s hands. “Come on, let me show you how to two-step.”

  Eric and Shanell joined the others dancing. Toby was amused to watch his cousin finally let his guard down.

  McKenzie went over to the DJ and whispered something in his ear, soon after, the DJ changed the song playing. “Permission” by Ro James started playing from the speakers on each side of the rooftop. McKenzie started dancing his way, pointing at Toby to meet her.

  Toby’s lips curled up, remembering the time he’d sent her the link to this song. He began dancing toward her. McKenzie wrapped her hands around his neck and swaying to the music. “I give you permission to do as you please with my body.”

  His hands rested at the arch of her back, trying to keep the dance rated PG. “I will.” He kissed her luscious lips. “I’m your boyfriend?”

  She chuckled. “I was waiting for you to say something. I have to get used to this.” She glanced at her ring. “You mean so much to me. No one in here would understand the depth of my feelings for you, and to answer your question, I cleared the boyfriend thing. My brother knows you’re my fiancé.”

  Toby pulled her closer. “I’m your Craigslist lover.” They danced in each other’s arms. She fit perfectly in his arms. McKenzie was his forever. They could withstand anything that came their way. Storms would come and go, but he prayed their love would come out stronger in the end.

  “Let’s sneak away for a few minutes.” McKenzie took his hand in hers and they went toward a dark corner. “Toby…” She gazed at him. “My heart is filled with so much joy. I thank God for you.” She traced his lips with her fingertips. “I never thought I would be able to love again, and you crawled your way into my lonely heart, little by little, starting with words and ending with…” She wiggled her finger. “I love you, handsome.”

  “I’m so blessed.” Toby inched forward. “You and Caleb have filled my lonely life with happiness. McKenzie, I hope you know now that you, my love, are so worthy and that you are enough?”

  “I do,” McKenzie said proudly. “I am deserving of everything I’ve ever wanted. God doesn’t make mistakes. She pointed at herself. “I am enough.”

  Epilogue

  A year and a half later

  The warmth of Guam’s skies and white sands, combined with the crystal-clear waters of Tumon Bay, provided an unforgettable experience to their intimate, island wedding. The view from where Toby stood was breathtaking. The way the clouds up in the blue skies kissed the clear waters below created a masterpiece landscape.

  Toby and Caleb stood barefoot, dressed in button-down white linen shirts and khaki pants. Caleb played in the sand with a stick.

  “Look, Tee.” He drew a heart. “You and Mommy.” He added two stick figures.

  “You’re missing in the drawing, buddy?” Toby messed up his curls. The little boy was almost three years old and every day, he gave him a reason to be thankful. Toby didn’t really know how it felt to have his own child but loving Caleb made his life different. He couldn’t see his life without McKenzie and Caleb, his own readymade family.

  “Here, me!” He giggled, making another stick figure, and then he drew three more. “That’s dad, Connie, and Aaron.” Toby’s mind wandered off as he thought of his stepson’s other family.

  Connie was Wayne’s new live-in girlfriend, and Aaron was her little boy. If he recalled correctly, Aaron was four years old. Connie seemed really nice, always receiving Toby and Caleb with a smile when he dropped him off at their home every other weekend. At first, the visitations had been supervised by a social worker at an assigned location, until Wayne finished his treatment and anger-management classes. Then the caseworker determined it was time to start unsupervised visitation.

  McKenzie interrogated her son a bit each time he came home from a visit with his father, asking if he’d hit or yelled at him. Caleb’s answer was always no. “I had fun, Mommy…”

  Toby had told her to back off a little. He wasn’t defending her ex, but he and Wayne had come to an understanding about his stepson. Toby spoke to the little boy on what was discipline should be like.

  ***

  Toby sat in the corner of Wayne’s office, dressed in his Navy working uniform. He’d be stationed close to home for the next two years. McKenzie still lived in her apartment and he lived on base, for the time being. He wanted her to continue “doing her” until she was ready to settle down again. She attended a group session for battered and abused women at the church every Saturday morning. He’d joined her a few times as the group went to different shelters around the state, volunteering to help maintain the homes by painting and cleaning. It wasn’t easy to volunteer at shelters like these. They did a simple background check. They had to make sure that everyone was truly there to do good.